Upcoming Events

Switch to Calendar View

• Utilizing the Powers of Play with Deaf Youth

  • When
    31 May 2024
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Northeast Health Services, 108 Grove Street, Suites 307-310, Worcester, MA 01065

  Register

  Utilizing the Powers of Play with Deaf Youth

  Compared to hearing peers, research has shown that deaf children have a greater risk of being exposed to interpersonal trauma (e.g., emotional abuse, neglect, physical and sexual abuse).

  Approximately 90% of deaf youth have hearing parents, with 88% of those hearing parents not knowing sign language (Marks, 2023). Due to language barriers early in life, social learning may  be impacted. A child may not have been able to access their family as models for co-regulation, understanding their emotions, processing their trauma, learning how to safely and clearly express their emotions, or develop a strong sense of beliefs/perspectives.

  In order to best serve deaf trauma-impacted youth, experiential-based models must be a priority in order to accommodate language gaps. Play therapy enhances social relationships by using the impact of the therapeutic relationship and direct communication to provide opportunities for social learning and co-regulation in a safe and trusting space that may not be present in a non-signing environment (Drewes & Schaefer, 2016; Ray & Tapia-Fuselier 2018) Due to how trauma is stored in the amygdala, for some youth expressing and exploring their trauma using language can be challenging and at times, impossible. The combination of symbolic play and direct communication through American Sign Language, facilitates communication and fosters emotional wellness by using play to re-create and re-enact experiences to help youth problem solve, utilize higher executive functioning, and express their perceptions, and in turn increases personal strengths, through the use of interactive and hands-on activities (Greenberg, Rice, & Safran, 1998).

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. identify the impact of language deprivation on social emotional learning.
  2. describe the adaptations necessary for working with deaf clients in play therapy.
  3. select 3 play therapy interventions appropriate for use with deaf clients.

  3 Contact CE | Beginning | Play Therapy Special Topics, Play Therapy Cultural and Social Diversity Topics

  About our presenter: Sarah Wintman is an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts and Registered Play Therapist™. Sarah also became certified in Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment and recently completed level 1 in Theraplay. Sarah is originally from NY but moved to MA in 2016 when she became a mental health therapist at the Walden School under The Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham. There she worked with residential deaf youth ages 7-22 who had additional behavioral, social, and or Trauma needs. In 2022, Sarah joined a group practice and continues to provide play therapy services to deaf youth and their families. Sarah is hearing but has been working with deaf youth for about 10 years and utilizes American Sign Language. Over the past 8 years, Sarah has provided trainings and presentations related to the importance of play, understanding of healing-centered work, providing trauma informed care, and cultural competence regarding working within the Deaf community. 

  NEAPT Members $75; Guests $125; NEHS Staff $50

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 02-123 for 3 CE hours. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than May 10, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after May 10, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details
• Using Reflecting Feelings in Your Play Therapy Practice: The Foundational Skill That Benefits Both Children and Their Parents

  • When
    31 May 2024
  •  
    3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  Using Reflecting Feelings in Your Play Therapy Practice: The Foundational Skill That Benefits Both Children and Their Parents

  One of the most foundational skills in Play Therapy is Reflecting Feelings, but recent data shows that it is the most underused skill among play therapists. In this workshop, you will receive a Reflecting Feelings crash course, that includes a deep dive into the skill (both theoretically and practically), tips for effective application with parents, articulation of the skill,  why it is necessary,  and strategies to make it more of a routine in your Play Therapy practice. 

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate effective use of Reflecting Feelings in Play Therapy practice
  2. Utilize knowledge of Reflecting Feelings skills to communicate and coach parents
  3. Apply knowledge of new emotions to clinical practice, as part of an expanded emotional vocabulary

  3 APT Live Webinar CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods

  This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
  

  About our presenter: Dr. Brenna Hicks, PhD, LMHC-S, RPT™ is a licensed, private-practice play therapist and owner of The Kid Counselor Center in the Tampa Bay area. Brenna has been blogging and podcasting about play therapy and parenting since 2006. Her newest podcast, Play Therapy Podcast, has become the epicenter for Child-Centered Play Therapists worldwide. She has been featured in The New York Times, and on CNN and iVillage. She has taught for the University of Wyoming and the University of South Florida, and authored the book, Device Detox: A Parent ’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids. A native Floridian, she loves the beach, the sun, and Rays baseball with her husband and son.

  NEAPT Members $50; Guests $60 | Limited to 50 participants

  VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded LIVE WEBINAR CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

  NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph (screen shot), video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than May 3, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after May 3, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details
• Climbing the Symbolic Ladder

  • When
    22 Jun 2024
  •  
    9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Hallowell Center, 144 North Road, Suite 2450, Sudbury, MA 01776

  Register

  Climbing the Symbolic Ladder: How Principles of DIR®/Floortime Support Play Therapy

  If you take a course on child development, you will learn all of the stages of development and expected milestones including skills in social emotional learning.  However, many children who enter play therapy arrive with developmental differences that impact the child's ability to make progress in reducing interfering symptoms. The Developmental, Individual-differences Relationship-Based Model (DIR®)/Floortime provides a framework for understanding the key social emotional skills that are required for healthy development. Any child with any developmental presentation can benefit from support in developing skills to ‘climb the ladder’ to achieve a new stage of function in self-regulation and social interaction. By focusing on chains of attuned interaction, the play therapist and caregiver support the child in reaching higher order symbolic thinking and relating(Wieder & Greenspan, 2003). In this workshop, participants will learn application of principles of the DIR®/Floortime framework to play therapy through reflection, role play, and case discussion.

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain the first six Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities of DIR® and how these relate to children’s play and social interactions and participation in play therapy.
  2. Discuss how shared attention and shared problem-solving support a child’s developing capacity to regulate emotions.
  3. Assess a child’s ability to use spontaneous symbolic play in order to set play goals for play therapy.
  4. Observe and count circles of interactions in adult-child interactions including opening and closing of circles by each partner in order to set interaction goals for play therapy treatment. 

  2 Contact CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Special Topics

  About our presenter: Denise Galford-Koeppel, PMC, MS, MS Ed, LMHC, RPT™ is a special educator, licensed mental health counselor, trainer, and registered play therapist™ with years of experience. Denise supports children, parents, and educators through the approaches of the Hanen Program®, the Pyramid Model, and Developmental Individual-Differences Relationship -Based Model® with specialization in working with young children.

  NEAPT Members $75; Guests $125; NEHS Staff $50

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 02-123 for 2 CE hours. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than June 1, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after June 1, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details
• Clinical Applications of Play Therapy with Sexually Victimized Children and Adolescents

  • When
    2 Aug 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  Clinical Applications of Play Therapy with Sexually Victimized Children and Adolescents

  This workshop will explore an integrative approach to using play therapy with victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Research and literature pertaining to the dynamics of CSA will be reviewed. The use of directive and expressive play therapy interventions will be discussed. Lecture & case examples will provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience.

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify common dynamics of childhood sexual abuse as defined by the literature and the use of these dynamics to underpin play therapy interventions
  2. Identify components of evidence-based treatments that can be used to ground play therapy interventions
  3. Describe 10 play therapy techniques for use in individual and/or group therapy with victims of childhood sexual abuse

  3 APT Live Webinar CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

  This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
  

  About our presenter: Sueann Kenney-Noziska, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S™, specializes in using play therapy in clinical practice with abused & traumatized children and adolescents. She has developed trauma informed interventions, is a contributing author to several publications, and has testified as an expert witness in the areas of child abuse and trauma on the state and national levels.

  NEAPT Members $50; Guests $60 | Limited to 50 participants

  VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded LIVE WEBINAR CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

  NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph (screen shot), video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than July 12, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after July 12, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details
• Transformative Practice in Play Therapy Intersectionality with SOGIE Children, Adolescents, & Their Families

  • When
    7 Aug 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual

  Register

  Transformative Practice in Play Therapy Intersectionality with SOGIE Children, Adolescents, & Their Families

  This three-hour didactic and experiential training is designed to empower play therapists and mental health practitioners in their work with individuals and families within the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Community. Through a comprehensive exploration of SOGIE and its intersectionalities, participants will gain insights through an eco-systemic and cultural humanity approach to applying play therapy interventions and aligning mental health practice with the diverse needs of this community.

  Using an integrative approach, the training focuses on the role of identity and developmental play in addressing the unique challenges faced by SOGIE children and adolescents. Culturally sensitive language, gender-affirming practices, and play therapy interventions are focused on by emphasizing the therapeutic potential of play in navigating SOGIE-related issues and enhancing multicultural competencies. The workshop delves into the historical, political, and policy perspectives shaping SOGIE communities, examining identity formation, health, mental health, familial dynamics, and childhood and adolescent issues.

  Participants will acquire a toolbox of relevant play therapy interventions, ensuring their ability to create inclusive, affirming, and culturally sensitive therapeutic environments for individuals navigating the complexities of SOGIE through play. This training offers theoretical perspectives on the intersectionality of SOGIE issues, equipping play therapy practitioners with the knowledge and skills to promote positive mental health outcomes and enhance multicultural competency.

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Showcase an understanding of the influence of personal bias and intersectionality on play therapy and clinical practice while proficiently naming three standard vocabularies and culturally sensitive terms related to SOGIE for application in clinical practice and play therapy with clients and their families.
  2. Analyze and describe two social, emotional, and psychological impacts of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression on children's and adolescents' development and daily lives utilizing a play-focused lens.
  3. Demonstrate five affirmative play dynamics tailored to SOGIE clients and their families, incorporating therapeutic powers of play and relevant clinical considerations into treatment approaches.

  3 APT Live Webinar CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

  This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."
  

  About our presenter: Kurt W. Oster, LBS (PA), LICSW (AL), LCSW (FL & TX), ACSW, BCD, RPT™, with 16 years in mental health, leads VonOstir Innovation Services, PLLC. As an LCSW, he specializes in working with children, adolescents, LGBTQIA+, and families.  Mr. Oster is also an author of LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction for young adults.

  NEAPT Members $50; Guests $60 | Limited to 50 participants

  VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded LIVE WEBINAR CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

  NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph (screen shot), video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than July 17, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after July 17, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details
• Assessing Progress for Young Children in Play Therapy

  • When
    21 Sep 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Northeast Health Services, 25 Birch St Building B Suite 204, Milford, MA 01757

  Register

  Assessing Progress for Young Children in Play Therapy

  Play therapy involves delivery of supports tailored to the presentation of the child client. This has led critics to say that play therapy is not evidence based in spite of research to the contrary. How can play therapists use standards of assessment to document change in child clients? How then can play therapists track progress in young children who are unable to particularly verbalize change? In this workshop, participants will discuss the process of initial intake assessment using screening tools focused on young parents including rating scales by caregivers. Participants will examine several tools that can document entrance to therapy and be utilized to review progress and track changes. Tools will include ratings to support diagnosis and referral for additional assessment as well as ways to monitor change in Child Centered Play Therapy. Because there are often limited resources, all screening tools will be ones that are free and available to clinicians.

  Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify appropriate screening and assessment tools for identifying baseline symptoms in young children who present to play therapy
  2. Critique types of information on child presentation based on caregiver rating scales utilized in delivery of play therapy
  3. Discuss application of assessment information to diagnoses, referrals for services and monitoring progress in young children presenting to play therapy

  2 Contact CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods

  About our presenter: Denise Galford-Koeppel, PMC, MS, MS Ed, LMHC, RPT™ is a special educator, licensed mental health counselor, trainer, and registered play therapist™ with years of experience. Denise supports children, parents, and educators through the approaches of the Hanen Program®, the Pyramid Model, and Developmental Individual-Differences Relationship -Based Model® with specialization in working with young children.

  NEHS Staff $50; NEAPT Members $75; Guests $125; NEHS Staff $50

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 02-123 for 2 CE hours. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.

  Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than September 1, 2024. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after September 1, 2024.

  By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
  

  Show details